Web design trends that will and will not work in 2017. Part 2

Last time we talked about user experience and different types of layouts that will gain your project some much-needed popularity this year. However, website design can affect your customers and clients in many ways, either increasing your revenue or causing catastrophic losses. The second part of this overview will give you a few ideas about how to make your site look great even in the eyes of the most demanding users.

Muted backgrounds and sedate colors

For many years web designers stayed away from bright hues, thinking they might distract users from actual content. In 2017 bold colors will come back with vengeance. They will be widely used in small design elements, logos, backgrounds, etc. Gradients will also reappear this year. The most popular solution includes two or more bright colors seamlessly blending into each other. Consider Instagram’s recent design changes to get an idea of how good gradients can look.

Give up muted colors and gray backgrounds for bright and bold hues. Implement gradient in small doses and see how much of a difference it can make to liven up your project.

Still pictures

Users don’t like waiting for web pages to load. This was the main reason designers had to limit the use of animation. However, web browsers and programming languages evolve and what seemed like an impossible feat five years ago can be easily achieved today. It’s no wonder animation becomes increasingly popular with web designers. It is used in different forms, some more subtle than others. Loading devices and hover-states amuse users and create a unique feel to your project. Animation can liven up transitions between screens and pages or entertain web visitors when they suddenly find themselves on an “Error 404” page.

In 2017 don’t be shy about using animation to add extra flair to your website, but do not overwhelm users with too many flashing images. Animation should always increase the quality of user experience, not aggravate visitors with an endless loading process.

Stock images and photos

Since visual content is a must, many projects defaulted to using stock images and photographs. They are cheap and easy. However, users are tired of seeing the same pictures on every website. If you want to keep them interested, start using custom imagery in 2017. This year will see the rise of original visual content. Custom-made illustrations will similarly become a powerful tool to draw users’ attention and provide much-needed entertainment while delivering crucial information. Hand-drawn elements can also be a nice touch substituting standard navigation elements, icons, etc.

Boring sans serif typefaces all around

For a long time text has been seen as a tool to transfer and share information. Therefore, easy-to-read nondescript sans serif fonts have become so commonplace, no one gives any attention to the way the text looks. This is about to change. Web designers are using more custom typefaces to make even the longest sheet of text look lively without images. Both sans serif and serif fonts are evolving, and even some monospaced typefaces, usually associated with typewriters, are emerging. The most striking image is achieved by combining different fonts to create a contrast.

If your online project relies heavily on textual content do not limit yourself to old boring fonts. Let your designer play with custom typefaces to achieve a truly unique and stylish look.

Either text or images

The time of standard web page layouts is coming to an end. Why would you look for a custom photo, when you can create a unique image using text? In 2017 font sizes will become larger and bolder, spreading across whole pages. And you don’t have to limit yourself to muted backdrops. New typography can easily blend in with bold colors, animation, and video. When combined with visual effects, interesting typefaces can attract attention and evoke strong emotions. And that is exactly what you need to keep users from leaving your site.

Do not be shy about using big and bold typefaces, incorporate images and animation with fonts, and your project will become unforgettable. But make sure that every word is easy to read at a glance.Now you know how to keep your website modern and stylish. Get rid of outdated preconceptions and look out for these newest trends when working with your designer. Adopt those advances that can grab attention, keep users interested while improving UX and you are set!